Career Averages - Cody Brundage
Career Averages - Tresean Gore
Cody Brundage
Tresean Gore
Cody Brundage - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cody Brundage | 1 | 43 of 60 | 71% | 44 of 62 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:34 |
| Andre Petroski | 0 | 8 of 17 | 47% | 21 of 30 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:56 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cody Brundage | 0 | 6 of 10 | 60% | 6 of 10 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Andre Petroski | 0 | 8 of 16 | 50% | 21 of 29 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:56 | |
| 2 | Cody Brundage | 1 | 37 of 50 | 74% | 38 of 52 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:32 |
| Andre Petroski | 0 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cody Brundage | 43 of 60 | 71% | 40 of 55 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 3 | 8 of 12 | 0 of 0 | 35 of 48 |
| Andre Petroski | 8 of 17 | 47% | 2 of 7 | 1 of 4 | 5 of 6 | 7 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cody Brundage | 6 of 10 | 60% | 3 of 5 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 3 | 6 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Andre Petroski | 8 of 16 | 50% | 2 of 6 | 1 of 4 | 5 of 6 | 7 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | |
| 2 | Cody Brundage | 37 of 50 | 74% | 37 of 50 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 35 of 48 |
| Andre Petroski | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
Chris Tognoni is the referee. It’s a deliberate beginning for the middleweights. Petroski land a low kick. Petroski fires a combination and Brundage circles out. Petroski backs his man up and lands a calf kick. Brundage partially lands a straight right. Both men remain very patient as we reach the halfway point of the round. Burndage lands a front kick to the gut and eats a series of calf kicks. Petroski catches Brundage with a knee as he moves forward. Petroski shoots and lands in side control to negate a guillotine attempt from Brundage. Brundage keeps his grip for a while before relen. Brundage seems content to hold his opponent close to limit offense. Petroski creates some space and lands a few right hands from top position. Petroski goes knee on belly and then achieves mount as the horn sounds.
Sherdog Scores
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Petroski
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Petroski
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Petroski
Round 2
Brundage throws a looping right and then seconds later, drops his foe with a massive left hook after feinting another right.
Brundage pounces and unleashes a hailstorm of ground-and-pound in pursuit of the finish. Petroski is defending well at first, but Brundage is relentless. The shots are beginning to get through and Tognoni is taking a close look. The veteran official gives Petroski plenty of leeway, but the Pennsylvania-based fighter isn’t improving his situation — so the fight is waved off.
That ends a four-bout winless streak for Burndage.
The Official Result
Cody Brundage def. Andre Petroski via TKO (Punches) R2 0:44
Angelo picks Cody Brundage despite acknowledging his inconsistency and cardio issues. He believes Brundage is the better wrestler and striker with more power, and has faced tougher competition. However, he is hesitant due to Brundage's tendency to fade. He loves the +170 odds but is unsure about betting.
Big Brady picks Cody Brundage for the upset, citing Petroski's glass chin and Brundage's early power. He notes that Brundage has wrestling to stuff takedowns early and only needs one shot to knock out Petroski. He admits this is a greasy pick and rarely picks Brundage.
Cody picks Cody Brundage as a dog, despite his poor record, because he believes this is a winnable matchup. He notes that Brundage has struggled against long, rangy fighters, but Andre Petroski is his size and has a similar wrestling style. Cody thinks Brundage's speed and overhand right can catch Petroski, who has poor durability and gasses. He predicts a Brundage knockout in round one.
Connor picks Petroski, agreeing with Zane. He describes Petroski as a busted experiment who is tense and fragile, but Brundage is even worse—a panicking fighter with no technique who corners himself. He notes Brundage could knock himself out by level-changing into a knee.
Lucrative James confidently picks Andre Petroski to win by submission, citing Petroski's superior grappling and top control. He notes Brundage's tendency to quit when pressured and Petroski's ability to take him down. He predicts an inside-the-distance finish.
The host picks Andre Petroski over Cody Brundage, expecting Petroski's wrestling to take over in deep water. He notes that Petroski's durability must hold up early, but if it does, Petroski will grind out a decision win.
The host believes Petroski is the better fighter but is hesitant to trust him at -200, as Brundage has power and could land an early knockout. He expects Petroski's wrestling and top pressure to wear down Brundage, leading to a decision win. He is interested in the Petroski decision prop if at +200 or better.
Paul also leans toward Cody Brundage, joining Cody in the Brundage by KO prop. He notes that Petroski knocked himself out on Malcoun's hip and has suspect durability. He believes Brundage has a chance to land a big shot and finish the fight early.
Zane picks Petroski because he thinks Petroski will get Brundage down and should be enough. He notes Brundage's only idea is to shell up and throw a desperate overhand, and he often panics. However, he acknowledges Brundage could land a big punch.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Donte Johnson | 0 | 45 of 106 | 42% | 84 of 146 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 3:32 |
| Cody Brundage | 0 | 31 of 83 | 37% | 34 of 88 | 2 of 7 | 28% | 0 | 0 | 4:22 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Donte Johnson | 0 | 10 of 25 | 40% | 29 of 44 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Cody Brundage | 0 | 5 of 20 | 25% | 6 of 23 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 3:21 | |
| 2 | Donte Johnson | 0 | 13 of 30 | 43% | 28 of 46 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 3:01 |
| Cody Brundage | 0 | 6 of 14 | 42% | 8 of 16 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 0:45 | |
| 3 | Donte Johnson | 0 | 22 of 51 | 43% | 27 of 56 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:31 |
| Cody Brundage | 0 | 20 of 49 | 40% | 20 of 49 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:16 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Donte Johnson | 45 of 106 | 42% | 35 of 92 | 4 of 8 | 6 of 6 | 35 of 92 | 0 of 0 | 10 of 14 |
| Cody Brundage | 31 of 83 | 37% | 19 of 70 | 2 of 3 | 10 of 10 | 31 of 82 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Donte Johnson | 10 of 25 | 40% | 8 of 23 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 10 of 25 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Cody Brundage | 5 of 20 | 25% | 4 of 19 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 19 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Donte Johnson | 13 of 30 | 43% | 12 of 28 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 10 of 14 |
| Cody Brundage | 6 of 14 | 42% | 1 of 8 | 2 of 3 | 3 of 3 | 6 of 14 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Donte Johnson | 22 of 51 | 43% | 15 of 41 | 3 of 6 | 4 of 4 | 22 of 51 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Cody Brundage | 20 of 49 | 40% | 14 of 43 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 6 | 20 of 49 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Johnson (-620), Brundage (+400)
Round 1
It’s time to officially begin the UFC on CBS era, as this is the first fight from this organization airing on the network. It will also serve as the widest betting disparity on the lineup, this middleweight slobberknocker, as undefeated finisher Johnson (7-0, 1-0 UFC) clocks in around -800 against the skidding Factory X product Brundage (11-8-1, 1 NC; 5-7-1, 1 NC UFC). There are no sure things in MMA, and anything is possible for as long as the fight is on. Referee Marc Goddard will make sure everything is on the up-and-up for its duration, and he bears witness to a sporting glove touch to open the match.
Johnson springs at Brundage after the glove touch, and this puts himself off-balance to the point that Brundage tackles him to the floor in response. Brundage sits on top in half guard, while Johnson scoots himself towards the wall in hopes of escaping. Brundage grinds rather than unleashing any offense, pressing Johnson down with his shoulder. Fans are not amused. Brundage briefly flirts with an arm-triangle choke, and Johnson shakes his neck out of the brief danger. Brundage commits to the arm-triangle, and Johnson leans his shoulder on the wall to take the leverage out of it. Time ticks off the clock with nothing else going on besides Brundage hanging out on top.
Johnson traps his foe’s left hand between his legs to stop any submission from coming together, and Goddard tells them to work. Johnson explodes back to his feet, and Brundage welcomes him back up with a knee to the head. The underdog sticks out a nab, and he catches Johnson flush with a right hand as Johnson’s chin is up in the air as if he were asking to get hit. Brundage blocks and counters with a left, and he knocks Johnson back a few steps. Brundage chips at the front leg, and Johnson splits his guard with a jab. Brundage comes up short with a looping right hand, and he parries and replies with an overhand right. Johnson gets Brundage’s attention with two punches, but Brundage fires back. Brundage shoots for a takedown at the bell, and fans in the building boo him heartily.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Brundage
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Johnson
Dayne Fox scores the round: 10-9 Brundage
Round 2
Johnson offers up a glove touch to start off the second round, and does not leap into attack this time. He measures out with a head kick, and Brundage lets go with a right hand. Johnson gets in the pocket to trade, and Brundage is ready and willing to bang it out. Johnson rips a kick to the side and swings for the fences, and he is prepared to defend against a tackling takedown by grabbing hold of Brundage’s neck and pushing him flat to the ground. Brundage remains on his knees and chills out, not concerned about a submission or looking to push any further. Johnson hooks his left arm under the chin but does not go for a guillotine, instead standing back up so he can bust Brundage in the face. Brundage pushes through to take the fight down on his own terms, and he scrambles to get hold of the undefeated fighter’s back.
Johnson looks to shimmy Brundage off of him, as Brundage is high on the back, and this results in Brundage hitting the floor in search of an armlock. Johnson defends the kimura to armbar setup and wrenches his arm out, and he unleashes a flurry of punches to either side of the head. Johnson holds Brundage down with a head lock, smacking him in the side of the head with short but ultimately ineffectual right hands on the inside. Brundage turns to sit himself down with his back to the fencing, and Johnson pops him in the chops with right hand after unanswered right hand. Brundage clings to Johnson, who is flirting with a choke but not committing to it. Johnson pushes off Brundage’s forehead and stands back up, and he slaps Brundage as a finger jams firmly into his eye. Goddard calls time, and Brundage takes a few seconds but wants to get back to business. On the restart, Johnson comes out swinging, and both men land one or two before the awkward round concludes.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Johnson
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Johnson
Dayne Fox scores the round: 10-9 Johnson
Round 3
Johnson meanders out of his corner recklessly and unafraid of what comes at him, and Brundage sits back on his heels looking for a counter so that he can set up a double. Johnson pushes him down face-first to the floor and stands back up, and Brundage follows him. Johnson tees off with jabs and the occasional left hand, and Brundage’s body language is poor as he does not look to have much fight left in him. Brundage loops a right hand behind the head, and he kicks the front leg but gets nailed with a counter. Brundage flicks out a few jabs, and one connects while Johnson is marching forward, resulting in him taking a funny step. Johnson tosses out a high kick and offers out a right hand, walking down the offensively muted Brundage. Johnson splits the guard with a jab, and he is answered with one back.
Brundage’s jab does manage to stop Johnson’s biggest of swings, and he suddenly spurs into action with two hooks. Johnson backs off before re-engaging, and the two land single strikes one another. Brundage damages the calf with a few kicks, and he opens a mouse under Johnson’s right eye with his jab. Johnson clubs his man with a right hook, and Brundage answers with a body lock and failed takedown attempt. Johnson frames off and is met with jabs, as Brundage takes a long look at the clock that reads one minute. Brundage loads up on two hooks and looks to the time again. Both lunge with jabs, and Brundage shoots for a double that is stopped in its tracks. Brundage hooks his fingers in the glove to get a takedown, but Johnson rips his hand away and they stand back up. When the 10-second clapper sounds, both men swing it out, with neither landing flush and both struggling until time mercifully expires. Welcome to the UFC on CBS era, indeed.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Brundage (29-28 Brundage)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Brundage (29-28 Johnson)
Dayne Fox scores the round: 10-9 Brundage (29-28 Brundage)
The Official Result
Donte Johnson def. Cody Brundage via Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Big Brady picks Donte Johnson over Cody Brundage. He highlights Johnson's size, power, and quick hands, noting he looked good at middleweight. Brundage took the fight on short notice after a recent KO loss and has a history of quitting when put on his back. Brady expects Johnson to finish Brundage quickly, likely by first-round TKO, as long as he avoids hitting the back of the head.
Cody also picks Johnson, highlighting his explosiveness and improved grappling. He notes Brundage's tendency to get knocked out or disqualified. He expects Johnson to win by knockout.
Connor picks Johnson because Brundage is a limited fighter with poor technique and a tendency to fold when his one idea fails. Johnson is a power wrestler who should outwrestle Brundage, as even lesser wrestlers have done. He notes that Johnson is small for middleweight but that Brundage is not a significant size threat.
Daniel Vreeland confidently picks Dashon Johnson, citing his athleticism, undefeated record, and serious approach. He believes Johnson will finish Cody Brundage, who is inconsistent and often loses when facing adversity. Vreeland notes that Brundage is a killer-be-killed fighter but thinks Johnson's confidence and physicality will prevail.
The host is undecided on this fight. He notes that Johnson is a heavy favorite (-683) but has only 7 pro fights and has never been past round one, making his cardio unknown. Brundage has improved cardio and is tough, but the host considers it a high-risk bet. He plans to wait until weigh-ins to decide, as he wants to see if Brundage looks compromised. He estimates Brundage might have a 25-30% chance, which would make the +468 odds valuable, but he hasn't committed.
James picks Dashon Johnson to win by knockout, citing Johnson's athleticism, power, and composure. He notes that Brundage is coming in on short notice and took recent punishment, making him vulnerable. James sees Johnson as a high-ceiling prospect who will overwhelm Brundage.
Johnson is explosive and powerful, but untested. Brundage is durable and can grind early. Johnson should eventually find a knockout in the second or third round. The over 1.5 rounds is a better bet than the heavy moneyline.
Paul picks Johnson, citing his prospect status and power. He notes Brundage's short notice and poor durability. He expects Johnson to win by knockout, though the price is high.
The MMA Guru picks Donte Johnson, calling him a great prospect who should destroy Brundage. He notes Johnson's wrestling and power, and predicts a first-round TKO. He criticizes Brundage for taking short-notice fights.
Zane agrees that Johnson should win, calling Brundage a 'fungal infection' who has only beaten low-level opponents. He notes that Brundage has no footwork, no punching technique, and a rudimentary understanding of range. Johnson's wrestling should be enough to take him down and control him.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cam Rowston | 0 | 57 of 119 | 47% | 73 of 139 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 2:04 |
| Cody Brundage | 0 | 29 of 65 | 44% | 31 of 67 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:19 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cam Rowston | 0 | 23 of 54 | 42% | 23 of 54 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:11 |
| Cody Brundage | 0 | 20 of 43 | 46% | 21 of 44 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:19 | |
| 2 | Cam Rowston | 0 | 34 of 65 | 52% | 50 of 85 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:53 |
| Cody Brundage | 0 | 9 of 22 | 40% | 10 of 23 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cam Rowston | 57 of 119 | 47% | 41 of 96 | 7 of 13 | 9 of 10 | 32 of 70 | 6 of 8 | 19 of 41 |
| Cody Brundage | 29 of 65 | 44% | 22 of 58 | 1 of 1 | 6 of 6 | 27 of 61 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cam Rowston | 23 of 54 | 42% | 15 of 41 | 1 of 5 | 7 of 8 | 20 of 50 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Cody Brundage | 20 of 43 | 46% | 14 of 37 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 5 | 20 of 43 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Cam Rowston | 34 of 65 | 52% | 26 of 55 | 6 of 8 | 2 of 2 | 12 of 20 | 3 of 4 | 19 of 41 |
| Cody Brundage | 9 of 22 | 40% | 8 of 21 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 7 of 18 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Rowston (-360), Brundage (+285)
Round 1
It remains to be seen if Rowston (13-3, 1-0 UFC) pulled his “Battle Giraffe” nickname from One Piece character Kaku, but at least he has a nickname. Brundage (11-7-1, 1 NC; 5-6-1, 1 NC UFC), who could easily call himself “Mr. Unlucky,” does not sport a fighting name. This match for him is a crucial one to see if he can rectify his record to an even .500. Referee Jim Perdios draws the charge for this middleweight affair, one that could take place anywhere before it is all said and done. The athletes do not have any plan on touching gloves before competing.
The tall, rangy Rowston stands firm in the center of the cage, and he gets batted back by a few jabs. He answers with a clean one-two and a low kick, and he checks a leg kick coming back at him. Brundage comes up short when looking for a left hook, and the two men trade hacking leg kicks. Rowston jabs and holds his left hand extended to set up additional punches, and he gets knocked back a step by the American. Rowston takes a left hook square on the chin when threatening with his jab, and Brundage charges him to close his distance and smashes his fist on Rowston’s jaw a few more times. Rowston answers with a knee right on the button, and he lines up and fires off another. Brundage spins with a back fist and stings Rowston, who falls to his hands and gets right back up. Brundage sells out with his big swings to hurt Rowston again, and the Aussie backs off the reset and clear out the cobwebs.
Brundage whiffs on a spinning back fist, and Rowston’s counter meets Brundage cleanly. Rowston steps in with a knee to the sternum, and he takes a right hand across the forward bow. Rowston fakes and feints his way in to draw out reactions, and he dances away from the big swings from the Factory X fighter. Rowston sticks his foe with a pair of jabs, and he kicks low as his foot slides up the leg and bangs into Brundage’s cup. Perdios sees it and immediately calls time, and fans realize it is a foul on the replay. Brundage only needs about 20 seconds to shake it off, and with a minute remaining on the clock, Rowston leads the dance with long jabs and even longer front kicks. Brundage’s counters fall short, as he loads up and puts plenty of arc on his punches while Rowston’s are straight down the middle most of the time. Rowston reaches Brundage with a one-two down the middle, and he walks into a right hand when Brundage digs down deep with a huge hook. Rowston kicks the front leg and jabs, and he slides away from the responses as the round wraps up.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Rowston
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Rowston
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Rowston
Round 2
Brundage comes out of his corner with a giant smile on his face, and it fades as he starts to deal with the feints and fakes that Rowston constantly offers. Rowston draws out ample reactions by Brundage, and he checks the kick aimed at his leg. Brundage grits his teeth and winds up with bombs, chasing Rowston around and only partially landing. Rowston kicks out Brundage’s leg to disrupt a combination, and he puts a one-two firmly on the chin. Brundage reaches at the end of a left hook, and he bounces off the wall and takes a knee but allows Rowston to get close so he can start slugging. Rowston swings with a big right hand, and Brundage ducks and counters him. Rowston digs a kick to the liver, and he bends Brundage over with a right hand down the middle. Brundage shakes out his right hand after connecting with it, and he continues to hurl it even as Rowston is able to pick up on it. Rowston laughs off a big swing so he can knee Brundage in the face, and Brundage responds with a takedown shot.
The gangly, coordinated Aussie stifles it and turns the corner, where he starts pounding on the side of Brundage’s head. Rowston is able to manhandle Brundage and keep him on his knees, elbowing him a few times and stepping over to set up a choke. Brundage desperately tries to get up and survive but is taking fire on either side of the dome.
Rowston pounds on Brundage, alternating a never-ending stream of lefts and rights on the ear as Brundage’s posture slowly deteriorates. The Aussie keeps on battering the Factory X fighter until Perdios saves the unsuccessful Brundage from his own toughness.
In victory, the man who may or may not still be known as “Battle Giraffe” moves to 2-0 in the Octagon with two knockouts to his credit.
The Official Result
Cameron Rowston def. Cody Brundage R2 4:08 via TKO (Punches)
Angelo picks Cam Rowston, citing his durability and ability to weather the storm. He notes that Cody Brundage is talented but inconsistent, with cardio and durability issues. He thinks Rowston will survive the first round and take over in the second and third. He says no bet because he wants to root for Cody without worrying about money.
Big Brady is confident in Cam Rowston, praising his grappling and knockout power. He notes Rowston is long, rangy, and has submissions over half his wins. He sees no path for Cody Brundage, predicting a second-round submission.
Cody is very confident in Rowston, criticizing Brundage's tendency to quit and find ways to lose. He notes that Rowston is a big middleweight with good cardio and power, and that Brundage has been outworked and finished in most of his fights. He expects Rowston to win by knockout or decision.
Connor agrees with Zane, picking Rowston. He emphasizes that Brundage is a bad fighter who should not be in the UFC, and Rowston's size and awkwardness will be too much. Connor also notes that Rowston is a heavy favorite and the odds are fine.
Daniel Vreeland confidently picks Rowston to finish Brundage, citing Brundage's history of quitting when pressured and his mental weakness. He notes that Rowston is a confident Australian prospect with dangerous elbows and ground-and-pound, and that Brundage's jet lag and lack of confidence will work against him.
James picks Rowston to win, noting his better striking and jiu-jitsu, and that Brundage is inconsistent and gasses out. He expects Rowston to finish in later rounds, possibly by rear-naked choke. James acknowledges Brundage's wrestling but believes Rowston's cardio and skill advantage will prevail.
Rowston is a long striker with improving confidence and BJJ. He has shown the ability to snipe opponents from distance and finish with strikes or submissions. Brundage is a wild card with durability issues and a tendency to look for an exit when hurt. Rowston should see Brundage's shots coming and counter effectively, possibly getting a club-and-sub finish. The host expects Rowston inside the distance.
Paul echoes Cody's sentiments, detailing Brundage's history of controversial results and lack of finishing ability. He believes Rowston's size, volume, and durability will be too much for Brundage, who needs a finish or DQ to win.
The Guru predicts a first-round TKO for Cam Rowston, citing his development at CKB, six-inch reach advantage, and real power in his hands. He dismisses Cody Brundage's grappling, noting Brundage was outgrappled by Dumas. He believes Rowston will put Brundage away early.
Zane picks Cam Rowston (referred to as Ralston) because he is a huge, awkward wrestler who will make a nuisance of himself. He notes that Brundage tends to go apeshit and lose track of the fight, and Rowston's awkward striking and size advantage should allow him to drag Brundage into his world. Zane acknowledges Rowston is not a great wrestler but believes his awkwardness will be enough.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eric McConico | 0 | 31 of 65 | 47% | 43 of 78 | 3 of 7 | 42% | 0 | 0 | 5:28 |
| Cody Brundage | 0 | 26 of 72 | 36% | 54 of 102 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 3:12 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eric McConico | 0 | 8 of 18 | 44% | 8 of 19 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 2:32 |
| Cody Brundage | 0 | 3 of 11 | 27% | 8 of 17 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:08 | |
| 2 | Eric McConico | 0 | 11 of 20 | 55% | 19 of 28 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 0 | 0 | 2:56 |
| Cody Brundage | 0 | 7 of 23 | 30% | 20 of 37 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:20 | |
| 3 | Eric McConico | 0 | 12 of 27 | 44% | 16 of 31 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Cody Brundage | 0 | 16 of 38 | 42% | 26 of 48 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:44 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eric McConico | 31 of 65 | 47% | 26 of 57 | 3 of 5 | 2 of 3 | 19 of 45 | 12 of 20 | 0 of 0 |
| Cody Brundage | 26 of 72 | 36% | 18 of 58 | 7 of 13 | 1 of 1 | 16 of 53 | 10 of 19 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eric McConico | 8 of 18 | 44% | 7 of 17 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 7 of 15 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Cody Brundage | 3 of 11 | 27% | 2 of 9 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 9 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Eric McConico | 11 of 20 | 55% | 8 of 16 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 5 | 11 of 15 | 0 of 0 |
| Cody Brundage | 7 of 23 | 30% | 4 of 19 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 11 | 5 of 12 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Eric McConico | 12 of 27 | 44% | 11 of 24 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 12 of 25 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Cody Brundage | 16 of 38 | 42% | 12 of 30 | 3 of 7 | 1 of 1 | 12 of 33 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Brundage (-190); McConico (+160)
Round 1
Don’t look now, but this event taking place tonight at the UFC Apex is the last one scheduled in the building on this year’s current lineup. There are 37 events in UFC confirmed thus far this year, so five-ish more are not yet on the slate and it is entirely possible that November or December shells up with another Apex show. Until then, it’s world traveling after Saturday. This ESPN show—also the last one on the official main ESPN slate for a while, as other sports will be kicking in and taking over like the NFL and their new deal with the UFC’s current broadcast partner. The night beings with a matchup that no one saw coming a week ago. Both fighters jumping up to light heavyweight due to the late notice of the pairing, Brundage (11-6-1, 1 NC; 5-5-1, 1 NC UFC) makes a quick turnaround after his loss overturned to a draw against Tuff-N-Uff veteran McConico (9-3-1, 0-1 UFC). These two could really use a win, and they will try to achieve it under the watchful eye of referee Chris Tognoni. They touch gloves to start off the night, and it’s on with the show.
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McConico starts as the initial aggressor, walking the veteran down and looping a massive left hand at his opponent. Brundage throws a kick at the same time, and the booming fist blasts him in the face and sits him down. Brundage tries to preserve himself by shooting for a takedown, and McConico stands up and puts his back to the wall while hacking down with elbows. Tognoni asks for more activity as this action stalls out, so Brundage transitions to a single-leg takedown. McConico keeps his hips wide, and Tognoni splits them up as Brundage fully commits to the single. Neither fighter does much for a spell as they measure one another, with McConico coming up short with a front kick and nothing else. Brundage charges behind big swings, and McConico is well out of harm’s way in time. As McConico bears down on his foe, Brundage counters with a double-leg takedown that he uses to tackle the MMA Lab fighter across the cage and down to his seat.
Brundage lands on top and laces his legs around McConico’s, but McConico is still able to wriggle out and wall-walk to stand. Brundage leans on him from behind, imposing his weight and letting McConico turn around so he can score a right hand. McConico backs off and blocks a head kick, and he probes out with a jab that draws out a knee. Brundage walks through a body kick to fire off his own overhand right, and he gives chase and nails McConico with a few more punches. Brundage launches a head kick and follows with a few step-in knees, and he starts feeling himself and lets his hands go, clubbing McConico and making him bounce off the fencing. McConico grips hold of him to ride out the round.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 McConico
Dayne Fox scores the round: 10-9 Brundage
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 McConico
Round 2
The 205ers typically competing as middleweights touch ‘em up to get going, and McConico starts out firing to back Brundage to the wall. He rips an elbow or two up top, and Brundage responds with hammerfists to the thigh. McConico drives a knee into the gut, and he winds up and blasts Brundage in the midsection again to almost lift him off the ground. Brundage lashes out with an elbow that surprises his opponent, and McConico takes a step back and grits his teeth. The Oregon native unleashes a flurry of fists and knees, and Brundage bounces back at him with fiery fists that catch McConico on the chin and force him to think twice about this brawl. As McConico shakes his head and retreats, Brundage charges after him and takes him to the floor. McConico does not stay on his seat for long, working his way to his feet, although as he leans on the cage, Brundage leans on him.
Brundage pursues the single above all else, and McConico smacks him with an undercut or two beneath Brundage’s elbow. McConico starts spamming elbows to the side of the head when he feels comfortable that he has his balance, and Brundage elevates him slightly to keep threatening. Tognoni asks for more, and Brundage chains into a double and clasps his hands together. After a prolonged effort, Brundage drags McConico away from the fence and deposits him to his back right on top of the Octagon’s central Monster Energy logo. Brundage immediately loops his own legs around McConico’s to keep him stuck on the floor, and Tognoni thinks he is not doing enough and asks for more action. McConico stands up, and Brundage greets him with a head kick. McConico starts stalking his foe down, booting him with his own high kick, digging his shin in the ribs and going upstairs one last time before the round wraps.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Brundage
Dayne Fox scores the round: 10-9 McConico
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Brundage
Round 3
It could be anyone’s fight going into the third stanza, and McConico appears to be the fresher fighter and he demonstrates this by immediately marching forward to attack when the last round commences. Multiple lead-leg kicks come from McConico, who is able to push Brundage back to the wall but not land much cleanly on him. Brundage steps in behind a right hand, and McConico has to reset. The MMA Lab fighter cracks his foe with two left hands, and Brundage takes a hard look at the clock or view screen. McConico engages in the clinch, kneeing the veteran and staying busy enough to not let Brundage counter with a takedown. McConico lets go with an elbow and an uppercut, and Tognoni tells him to not grab the gloves. The elbow cuts the top of Brundage’s head, and blood trickles down his hairline.
Tognoni separates them with a little more than two minutes remaining, and Brundage has a bit of energy and offers it with a looping right hand. McConico walks through it to fire back, but it is Brundage who tags him again with another short but effective right. Brundage rushes forward, and McConico gears up and surges into action with a salvo of punches mixed in with body kicks. Brundage keeps his back against the wall, circling away before darting forward with a knee. Brundage clips McConico with a right hand, who staggers back and regains his footing. Brundage wings a right hand, and he tries a second when the first succeeds. McConico shrugs it off and smacks him with a left hook and a head kick. McConico ducks down to set up a big left, and he narrowly avoids a spinning back fist. Brundage ends the fight with a massive right hand that McConico blinks out, and the close match concludes with judges likely having their hands full.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Brundage (29-28 Brundage)
Dayne Fox scores the round: 10-9 McConico (29-28 McConico)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 McConico (29-28 McConico)
The Official Result
Eric McConico def. Cody Brundage via Split Decision (29-28, 27-30, 29-28)
Big Brady is confident in Cody Brundage, noting that Brundage is typically an underdog but this matchup favors him. He criticizes McConico's performance in his last fight, where he landed only four strikes in the first round before getting knocked out. Brady believes Brundage won't have to worry about a murderous power puncher or high-level grappler, and expects Brundage to shine and get a finish. He picks Brundage by first-round knockout.
Connor picks Brundage, guessing he will come in with an uppercut based on McConico's recent fight with Ruziboev. He thinks Brundage's athleticism and one-idea game plan will be enough.
The host believes the short notice nature of the matchup favors Cody Brundage, allowing him to make the fight chaotic from the start. He predicts Brundage will find a knockout under one and a half rounds, indicating confidence in Brundage's ability to finish early.
The MMA Guru picks Cody Brundage, noting that despite Brundage's odd career, he found an opponent he can beat. He believes Brundage was winning against Mansour Abdul-Malik before the no contest and can replicate that performance. He expects Brundage to mix in grappling and win by decision, possibly 29-28 or 30-27.
Zane picks Brundage because he is athletic, big, fast, and powerful, and thinks he will come in with pressure and punches. He notes Brundage's recent wins show he can execute a game plan, even if it's simple.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mansur Abdul-Malik | 0 | 25 of 73 | 34% | 25 of 73 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:07 |
| Cody Brundage | 0 | 30 of 67 | 44% | 30 of 67 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:01 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mansur Abdul-Malik | 0 | 4 of 15 | 26% | 4 of 15 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Cody Brundage | 0 | 11 of 21 | 52% | 11 of 21 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Mansur Abdul-Malik | 0 | 10 of 28 | 35% | 10 of 28 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Cody Brundage | 0 | 10 of 31 | 32% | 10 of 31 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Mansur Abdul-Malik | 0 | 11 of 30 | 36% | 11 of 30 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:07 |
| Cody Brundage | 0 | 9 of 15 | 60% | 9 of 15 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:01 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mansur Abdul-Malik | 25 of 73 | 34% | 17 of 55 | 3 of 13 | 5 of 5 | 18 of 60 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 13 |
| Cody Brundage | 30 of 67 | 44% | 18 of 49 | 2 of 8 | 10 of 10 | 29 of 66 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mansur Abdul-Malik | 4 of 15 | 26% | 2 of 10 | 0 of 3 | 2 of 2 | 4 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Cody Brundage | 11 of 21 | 52% | 5 of 12 | 1 of 4 | 5 of 5 | 11 of 21 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Mansur Abdul-Malik | 10 of 28 | 35% | 5 of 18 | 2 of 7 | 3 of 3 | 10 of 28 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Cody Brundage | 10 of 31 | 32% | 4 of 22 | 1 of 4 | 5 of 5 | 10 of 31 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Mansur Abdul-Malik | 11 of 30 | 36% | 10 of 27 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 17 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 13 |
| Cody Brundage | 9 of 15 | 60% | 9 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 14 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Abdul-Malik (-800), Brundage (+500)
Round 1
The line on this middleweight pairing may not be quite as ludicrous as Wellmaker vs. Moutinho, but Abdul-Malik (8-0, 2-0 UFC) is coming in as a favorite anywhere from -950 to -1200, give or take. With eight finishes across his eight victories, prognosticators believe that his battle with Brundage (11-6, 1 NC; 5-5, 1 NC UFC) may not last long, win or lose. Referee Brent McKeehan is distinctly aware of the possibility, and is on his A-game right out of the gate. Fists are bumped before they are traded, and Brundage fires off some early warning kicks to demonstrate he is not going to be such an easy out. He lands a low kick as Abdul-Malik comes towards him, and he connects with a clean right hand. Brundage’s front kick pushes off the chest, and Abdul-Malik’s is much heavier in response. Brundage stands firm and delivers a kick to the body and one to the lead leg, and Abdul-Malik is unable to find his way in. The middleweights trade punches, and Abdul-Malik drives a front kick through the guard that surprises Brundage. Abdul-Malik walks him down but lets him entirely off the hook. Brundage strikes the front leg and fires a front kick down the middle, before lunging with an overhand right. Abdul-Malik swings a body kick and leaps at his foe with a jump knee, and Brundage steels himself and wings a pair of body shots back at him. The cautious round ends, and again fans drown the competitors out with boos.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Abdul-Malik
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Abdul-Malik
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Abdul-Malik
Round 2
After a quick fist bump, the two meet in the middle of the cage without trading. Abdul-Malik tests the waters with a low kick, and he chambers a head kick and is met on the way down with an inside leg kick. Neither fighter is willing to commit to anything, resulting in a lull in action. Abdul-Malik decides to start fighting suddenly, running at Brundage and catching him with a right hand. Brundage retaliates with a flying knee, and Abdul-Malik tags him with another right on the ear as he plants his feet. The blow cuts Brundage behind his ear, which starts bleeding heavily down his neck. He paws at it and pays it little mind, instead winging a right hand at the overwhelming favorite. Abdul-Malik walks into a left hand as he tries to attack with a knee, and then they back off and measure one another for a while. Abdul-Malik eventually pushes out a front kick, and Brundage finds a way in and connects with two punches. Brundage’s overhand right just misses as the crowd gasps, seemingly desperate for a clean, solid strike to land. Brundage crashes the pocket but backs off when taking a low kick. Abdul-Malik spins with a back kick, and Brundage retaliates with an overhand right. The horn sounds to wrap the disappointing round.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Brundage
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Brundage
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Brundage
Round 3
Abdul-Malik runs at his opponent as soon as the round begins, railing Brundage with a flying knee. This immediately devolves in a ludicrous brawl, where both fighters wing hooks with everything they have. Abdul-Malik hurts Brundage, Brundage returns fire, and they proceed to bang it out. Brundage closes in and drives in a knee, and Abdul-Malik turns the corner and rails his opponent with a flush knee to the sternum and a direct head clash. Brundage goes down in a heap, shelling up as Abdul-Malik unloads on him with fiery fists. Abdul-Malik swings with bad intentions, and McKeehan gives Brundage every opportunity to recover before waving the fight off. Brundage immediately protests that he went down because of the clash of heads and not the knee, and the replay official is called upon to show the clear clash of heads. One of the unluckiest fighters in the sport has yet another bizarre ending in his strange tenure with the UFC, and it is up to McKeehan and the officials to send this one to the scorecards for a technical decision due to the fight-ending headbutt and the bout reaching the third round.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Abdul-Malik (29-28 Abdul-Malik)
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Abdul-Malik (29-28 Abdul-Malik)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Abdul-Malik (29-28 Abdul-Malik)
The Official Result
Mansur Abdul-Malik def. Cody Brundage via Technical Decision (Unanimous) R3 0:36
Angelo picks Mansur because he believes the adversity in his last fight gave him a wake-up call. He expects Mansur to wrestle and avoid a firefight with Cody, who is dangerous early. He notes that if Mansur engages in a firefight, he is screwed.
Big Brady picks Mansur Abdul-Malik by first-round knockout. He expects a violent fight where both swing, but believes Malik's power and ground-and-pound will be too much for Brundage. He notes Brundage is dangerous early but has been fed tough opponents, and Malik is the most terrifying yet.
Connor picks Abdul-Malik, emphasizing the massive reach advantage (79.5 vs 72 inches) and Brundage's tendency to implode when his initial plan fails. He notes that Abdul-Malik is a composed, powerful fighter who will make Brundage work to get inside, leaving him open to counters. Connor thinks Brundage's only chance is an early guillotine, but that is unlikely.
Abdul-Malik's athleticism, explosivity, and power will find a big shot to put Brundage away early. Brundage is expected to break quickly under that pressure.
The Guru picks Mansur Abdul-Malik, calling him a powerful prospect who will finish Cody Brundage in the first round. He notes Brundage's tendency to 'tuck up in a ball' when grappling doesn't go his way, as seen against Sedriques Dumas. He expects a TKO, though he acknowledges Brundage could win if he gets a guillotine.
Zane picks Abdul-Malik confidently, noting that Brundage's shallow game plan and inability to adjust will leave him exposed. He points out that Abdul-Malik is young, powerful, and composed, and that Brundage's only path is to wrestle, but he lacks the depth to maintain it. Zane compares this to the Abdul-Razak Alhassan fight where Brundage was brutally finished.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cody Brundage | 1 | 44 of 79 | 55% | 68 of 106 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:48 |
| Julian Marquez | 0 | 37 of 73 | 50% | 53 of 96 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:30 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cody Brundage | 1 | 44 of 79 | 55% | 68 of 106 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:48 |
| Julian Marquez | 0 | 37 of 73 | 50% | 53 of 96 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:30 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cody Brundage | 44 of 79 | 55% | 39 of 71 | 1 of 2 | 4 of 6 | 34 of 65 | 5 of 8 | 5 of 6 |
| Julian Marquez | 37 of 73 | 50% | 31 of 64 | 5 of 8 | 1 of 1 | 24 of 51 | 13 of 22 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cody Brundage | 44 of 79 | 55% | 39 of 71 | 1 of 2 | 4 of 6 | 34 of 65 | 5 of 8 | 5 of 6 |
| Julian Marquez | 37 of 73 | 50% | 31 of 64 | 5 of 8 | 1 of 1 | 24 of 51 | 13 of 22 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Marquez (-155), Brundage (+130)
Round 1
The year is 2025, and the UFC has placed Brundage (10-6, 1 NC; 4-5, 1 NC UFC) and Marquez (9-5, 3-4 UFC)—two men with UFC records below .500—in a co-main event slot. With dueling walkouts of “Fantasy” by Mariah Carey for the former and the Beastie Boys’ “Sabotage” for the latter, all 50 or so people visible in the Apex are having a blast. The middleweights will be joined in the cage by referee Mark Smith. They touch gloves. Marquez runs forward and stops just before getting kicked in the head, but Brundage comes at him with a knee and a massive right hand. A second bomb of a right hand hurts Marquez, who stumbles back and bounces off the fence to stay afloat. Brundage leaps at him with a flying knee, and when he misses, Marquez pushes him away and may have gotten away with an eye poke. Brundage wipes at his eye and lets loose a head kick, and he chops at the front leg with a kick. Brundage sits down on a right hand when Marquez is aiming at the body, and he beats “The Cuban Missile Crisis” to the punch with a jab and an overhand right. Brundage snaps the head back with an uppercut, and he gets pushed back from the blunt force of a clubbing punch from his opponent. Brundage leaps at his man and lands on the ground, and Marquez dives down for a possible takedown. Brundage locks up a Dave Schultz front headlock, and Marquez fights out of it, gets to his feet and drills Brundage with a left hand. Brundage shakes it off and strikes back with a right hand up top, and both men start swinging for the fences from up close. Brundage breaks up the firefight with a head kick, and he leans back as a right hook zooms past him. Brundage settles himself down and chips at the front leg, and Marquez snaps out a power jab and follows it with a monster right hand that dislodges Brundage’s mouthpiece. Brundage, in grave danger, leans over and finds himself in guillotine choke danger. Through sheer force of will, Brundage leans up and surges into action with hilariously damaging punches. Brundage knocks Marquez’ mouthpiece out as well in a scene out of an action movie, and both men blast one another with everything they have. Smith finds a moment to pause and give them both their gumshields back, and they replace them and come back out swinging.
With shades of the Toughman contests of old, both middleweights decide that it is time to slug one another in the face violently and brutally until Marquez hits the deck courtesy of a tremendous right hand. Brundage leaps on top and starts blasting with his free right hand, and Marquez desperately shoots for a takedown to try to get his wits back. Brundage does not let his man off the hook, hammering the MMA Lab fighter with thudding blows. Smith implores Marquez to fight back, but the way Brundage is positioned from behind with his left arm wrapping up Marquez, Marquez is unable to posture up or defend himself. As punches continue rapping Marquez upside the head, Smith has no choice but to say enough is enough and call an end to this ridiculous slobberknocker.
Overcome with emotions, a tear-stricken Brundage roars, and the Apex gets about as loud as it possibly can be after that gunslinger’s duel giving it up for the two men in the Octagon. Marquez removes his gloves after the terrific match but does not appear to leave them in the cage, perhaps deciding not to make a rash decision after such a fun clash.
The Official Result
Cody Brundage def. Julian Marquez R1 4:45 via TKO (Punches)
Angelo picks Cody Brundage, citing his wrestling background, power, and the fact that Julian Marquez is coming off back-to-back knockout losses with a year layoff. He acknowledges Brundage's questionable fight IQ but believes he is a good fighter overall. He also notes that both fighters are exciting and expects the fight to end early.
Big Brady hesitantly picks Julian Marquez, citing his durability and heart, as well as a slick submission game. He notes Cody Brundage is more skilled but has a bad nail and may quit if hurt. He predicts Marquez will win by first-round submission after Brundage gets hurt and shoots for a takedown.
Connor picks Marquez, noting that Brundage has a single idea that quickly exhausts, while Marquez is a willing scrapper who can fight through adversity. He mentions that Marquez has been getting knocked out lately but still has the toughness to outlast Brundage. Connor also jokes about Marquez's personality but sticks with him as the pick.
The host expects a chaotic matchup and suggests the under 1.5 rounds is the best bet. He leans with Marquez, believing his power striking and slick submissions can catch Brundage, who has been hurt repeatedly. However, he notes Brundage could also catch Marquez, who has lost three straight by knockout. He predicts a club-and-sub within the first round and a half.
The Guru picks Cody Brundage over Julian Marquez. He notes Marquez is on a three-fight losing streak, older, and possibly struggling with drinking. Brundage is younger, hungrier, and has finishing potential. He predicts a finish for Brundage.
Zane picks Marquez despite his recent knockout losses, citing Marquez's willingness to scrap and fight through adversity. He notes that Brundage has a one-plan approach that falls apart after 30 seconds, and while Brundage might have a good idea early, Marquez's brawling will eventually overwhelm him. Zane acknowledges the fight is low-level but favors Marquez's toughness.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abdul Razak Alhassan | 0 | 23 of 30 | 76% | 24 of 35 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:27 |
| Cody Brundage | 0 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 of 2 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Abdul Razak Alhassan | 0 | 23 of 30 | 76% | 24 of 35 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:27 |
| Cody Brundage | 0 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 of 2 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abdul Razak Alhassan | 23 of 30 | 76% | 23 of 30 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 4 | 19 of 26 |
| Cody Brundage | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Abdul Razak Alhassan | 23 of 30 | 76% | 23 of 30 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 4 | 19 of 26 |
| Cody Brundage | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Alhassan (-162), Brundage (+136)
Round 1
To kick off the main card, the UFC matched up two middleweight finishers that do not like to waste much time in the cage. All 12 victories for “Judo Thunder” Alhassan (12-6, 6-6 UFC) have come by knockout, while Brundage (10-6, 4-5 UFC) has seen eight of his 10 pro wins come inside the distance. Keeping control of the cage for this clash will be referee Dan Miragliotta, and the fighters touch gloves. Brundage whips a one-two at his foe and shoots for a takedown. Alhassan laughs in the face of the takedown and stops it in its tracks while elbowing Brundage in the side of the head, and he shoves Brundage over and busts him in the face with a number of ferocious punches. Brundage rolls around to survive the onslaught, and Alhassan keeps pounding on him. Brundage gets to his knees, and Alhassan hacks at him with elbows that drill the Factory X fighter in the side and back of the head. When two slam into his noggin illegally, Miragliotta emphatically calls time and breaks the fighters apart because of the fouls. Miragliotta informs Alhassan of the bad strikes and also tells him that the angle was close to 12-6 as well. Brundage remains on the ground, struggling to clear his vision as he is clearly compromised from the blows. Miragliotta has Brundage stand up to try to get his head straight, and he calls in the doctor to check on Brundage’s condition. Brundage is in a bad way, as he leans against the cage and is not having a good day. The bloodthirsty crowd hollers at Brundage, and he takes a seat against the cage and tells the doctor that his day is over. Brundage yells at Alhassan, who is upset that there will be a stoppage but not a win. Miragliotta consults with referee Herb Dean to confirm that the ruling will be a no contest due to accidentally illegal elbows, and the fight is waved off with Miragliotta making the normal arm motions that signal a fight’s conclusion. Meanwhile, Brundage’s coach tells him what happened, as Brundage appears to have no recollection of the fight. It is a disappointing result after the bonkers opening seconds, and one hopes the promotion puts this match back together in a month or two.
The Official Result
Abdul Razak Alhassan vs. Cody Brundage is Ruled a No Contest (Illegal Elbows) R1 0:37
Angelo picks Cody Brundage as an underdog, citing his insane early pressure, wrestling ability, and power. He notes that Abdul Razak Alhassan rarely uses his high-level judo defensively, leading to a striking match where Brundage's well-roundedness gives him an edge. Angelo also jokes about Brundage's new hairline (Turkish Hair Replacement) boosting confidence. He cautions against betting the under 1.5 rounds as it didn't hit in Brundage's last fight.
Cody picks Alhassan, citing his power and durability. He notes Brundage's tendency to quit and believes Alhassan's cardio, though poor, is better than Brundage's. He expects a first-round knockout or a grind where Alhassan's toughness prevails.
Daniel Vreeland picks Abdul Razak Alhassan to win. He dismisses the idea that Cody Brundage will wrestle for 15 minutes, calling Brundage a 'kill or be killed' fighter who folds under adversity. He notes that Brundage has poor cardio and has never won a decision against quality opposition. He expects Alhassan's power to overwhelm Brundage early.
Cody Brundage will apply a grinding approach to wear on Alhassan's gas tank. If Brundage doesn't get squashed early, he should push through in deep waters and grind out a decision. The plus 450 decision prop is a good look.
Paul picks Alhassan, citing his power and durability. He notes Brundage's history of quitting and believes Alhassan's toughness will be the difference. He expects a finish, possibly by knockout, but acknowledges both fighters have cardio issues at altitude.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bo Nickal | 0 | 8 of 13 | 61% | 45 of 59 | 3 of 6 | 50% | 2 | 0 | 7:25 |
| Cody Brundage | 0 | 4 of 12 | 33% | 33 of 41 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bo Nickal | 0 | 5 of 7 | 71% | 24 of 28 | 2 of 4 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 4:25 |
| Cody Brundage | 0 | 2 of 6 | 33% | 16 of 20 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 | |
| 2 | Bo Nickal | 0 | 3 of 6 | 50% | 21 of 31 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 2 | 0 | 3:00 |
| Cody Brundage | 0 | 2 of 6 | 33% | 17 of 21 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bo Nickal | 8 of 13 | 61% | 6 of 11 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 8 |
| Cody Brundage | 4 of 12 | 33% | 1 of 9 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 10 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bo Nickal | 5 of 7 | 71% | 5 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 4 |
| Cody Brundage | 2 of 6 | 33% | 0 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Bo Nickal | 3 of 6 | 50% | 1 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 4 |
| Cody Brundage | 2 of 6 | 33% | 1 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Nickal (-2100), Brundage (+1100)
Round 1
The main card opens up with the widest discrepancy on the betting lines tonight by a mile. As a prohibitive -1400, Nickal (5-0, 2-0 UFC) is largely expected to walk through the tough but outmatched-on-paper Brundage (10-5, 3-4 UFC). There are many questions that could be answered, as the unbeaten four-time DI NCAA All-American has never before competed beyond the three-minute mark in an MMA match. Whether this match lasts 15 seconds or 15 minutes, referee Chris Tognoni is on the call and ready for action. The underdog offers a glove touch, but Nickal wants nothing to do with it. Instead, Nickal fakes shooting for a takedown almost immediately. Brundage is well out of the way, and he fires off a flying head kick and a jump knee. Brundage lands a hard right hand to surprise the unbeaten fighter, and Nickal responds with a power punch and a takedown attempt. Brundage rolls through to get back to his feet, and Nickal presses him hard against the fence. Nickal scoops Brundage up and slams him down, and Brundage pops right back up without batting an eye. Nickal succeeds to get a mat return, dropping Brundage down to his knees, but Brundage stands up before Nickal can get hooks in. Nickal pushes down his full body weight to trap Brundage down on the ground, and he slithers a hook in and sneaks his arm under the chin for a second. Brundage turns his head to the side to thwart the choke, and Nickal keeps one arm on the chin to threaten. Brundage hand-fights to stop the choke from landing, and Nickal elects to just brute force squeeze his head like a nutcracker. Brundage pushes off enough to get space, and Nickal steps over to full mount while claiming a guillotine. Nickal sits up and has Brundage’s left arm trapped beneath his legs, and he starts beating on Brundage with elbows. Brundage times a shifting Nickal to turn to his knees and lean against the wall, and Nickal stays on him without a hook in fishing for a choke. Nickal gets a hook in from behind, and Brundage keeps two-on-one wrist control to stop any submission danger. Nickal bops him in the face with feeble punches, and Brundage laughs him off as the crowd gives it up for him. Brundage maintains control on the wrist and signals for Tognoni to let him up, and he rides out the round.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Nickal
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Nickal
Mike Fridley scores the round: 10-9 Nickal
Round 2
As soon as the round begins, Tognoni calls time to remove some debris from the Octagon. The fighter begin, and Brundage walks Nickal down and lines up an overhand right. Nickal throws a high kick from an odd angle, and when he tries to transition to a takedown, Brundage slings him mightily to the ground. Brundage goes after him and tries to lay into him with strikes, but Nickal recovers, shoots and completes a takedown. Brundage turns to his side as he tries to stand, and Nickal lands sporadic ground-and-pound as he moves into half guard. The crowd gets restless again at Nickal wrestling so heavily, but he ignores it and passes the full mount. Brundage throws punches from his back, and Nickal presses his chest down to set up an arm-triangle choke. Nickal lets it go to land a punch, and he hunts for elbows while Brundage holds onto his face. Nickal postures up and slams down some ground-and-pound, forcing Brundage to turn around and give up his back. Brundage finds himself in immediately submission danger, with Nickal latching onto a rear-naked choke grip that is not yet beneath the chin. Brundage fights off the choke, and Nickal switches arms and slithers the forearm under the chin. Brundage knows he has been outhustled here, and he surrenders before the choke puts him out. Nickal releases the grip on the tap, and he stands up and starts booing himself while putting both thumbs down. He appears not impressed with his own performance.
The Official Result
Bo Nickal def. Cody Brundage R2 3:38 via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)
Angelo is extremely confident in Bo Nickal, calling the -2400 odds correct with 96% implied probability. He notes Brundage has power and could land a lucky shot, but Nickal's wrestling is overwhelming. He advises against parlaying Nickal due to poor value and suggests under 1.5 rounds as a better bet.
Cody is extremely confident in Bo Nickal, noting his elite wrestling and the low level of competition he's faced. He points out that Brundage has poor fight IQ, citing his pulling guard on Ralek Gracie when he was winning, and his tendency to gas out. Cody mentions Brundage has been taken down by Nick Maximov and has no dynamic striking. He expects Nickal to dominate and finish inside the distance, likely by TKO or submission, and thinks the fight won't go past the first round and a half.
Daniel Vreeland picks Bo Nickal to win, but notes he is not laying 25 units to win one. He acknowledges Nickal's wrestling advantage and expects a first-round finish, but warns that Brundage has knockout power and could pull off an upset. Vreeland is curious to see Nickal past round one but believes he will dominate.
Daniel Vreeland picks Bo Nickal, noting that even high-IQ Cody Brundage plays into Nickal's strengths. He mentions that Brundage's path to victory is narrow, possibly a knockout, but that Nickal's wrestling and jiu-jitsu are world-class. He suggests that if betting Brundage, one should take a KO prop at high odds rather than the moneyline.
Jeff Fox picks Bo Nickal, agreeing with Vreeland. He notes that if he had $100 to bet and didn't want to lose it, he'd bet Nickal. He mentions that Brundage could knock Nickal out, but that's a low-probability event, and that Nickal is the safe pick.
Lucrative James does not make a pick for this fight. He says it is what it is but it's good to see Bo Nickal continue his rise. He mentions Cody Brundage has cashed tickets for him in the past. No prediction is given.
Nickal will get to his takedown quickly and rain down big shots from top position for a TKO win. Brundage is the toughest opponent Nickal has faced but it won't be enough.
Paul sees this as a clear mismatch. He notes that Nickal hasn't faced any adversity yet, so his chin and resolve are untested, but Brundage is not the guy to test them. Paul calls Brundage 'Cody Bumd' and points out his poor performances, including getting knocked out by Alexei Kunchenko and being outgrappled by Nick Maximov. He believes Nickal will easily take Brundage down and finish him. Paul says the moneyline is too short to bet, but everyone will take Nickal inside the distance.
The MMA Guru picks Bo Nickal to win by first-round finish, calling Cody Brundage a sacrificial lamb. He criticizes Brundage's recent wins as flukes and believes Nickal is superior everywhere. He notes Nickal's high-pressure experience and predicts a rear-naked choke or TKO.
Tresean Gore - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azamat Bekoev | 1 | 70 of 115 | 60% | 128 of 175 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 0 | 0 | 1:57 |
| Tresean Gore | 0 | 78 of 113 | 69% | 98 of 136 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 1 | 0 | 4:09 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Azamat Bekoev | 0 | 35 of 61 | 57% | 46 of 73 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:19 |
| Tresean Gore | 0 | 33 of 46 | 71% | 34 of 48 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:36 | |
| 2 | Azamat Bekoev | 1 | 30 of 46 | 65% | 54 of 71 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 0 | 0 | 1:38 |
| Tresean Gore | 0 | 25 of 40 | 62% | 40 of 57 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:38 | |
| 3 | Azamat Bekoev | 0 | 5 of 8 | 62% | 28 of 31 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Tresean Gore | 0 | 20 of 27 | 74% | 24 of 31 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 1 | 0 | 1:55 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azamat Bekoev | 70 of 115 | 60% | 33 of 58 | 30 of 50 | 7 of 7 | 49 of 91 | 11 of 12 | 10 of 12 |
| Tresean Gore | 78 of 113 | 69% | 51 of 85 | 8 of 8 | 19 of 20 | 62 of 92 | 9 of 14 | 7 of 7 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Azamat Bekoev | 35 of 61 | 57% | 11 of 22 | 19 of 34 | 5 of 5 | 29 of 55 | 6 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
| Tresean Gore | 33 of 46 | 71% | 22 of 35 | 3 of 3 | 8 of 8 | 30 of 42 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Azamat Bekoev | 30 of 46 | 65% | 20 of 32 | 9 of 13 | 1 of 1 | 15 of 28 | 5 of 6 | 10 of 12 |
| Tresean Gore | 25 of 40 | 62% | 17 of 32 | 3 of 3 | 5 of 5 | 17 of 28 | 6 of 10 | 2 of 2 | |
| 3 | Azamat Bekoev | 5 of 8 | 62% | 2 of 4 | 2 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Tresean Gore | 20 of 27 | 74% | 12 of 18 | 2 of 2 | 6 of 7 | 15 of 22 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 5 |
Angelo is extremely confident in Azamat Bekoev, calling him a bargain at -550 and stating he should be -550,000. He notes Bekoev is well-rounded with powerful strikes and solid takedown defense, while Tresean Gore is inconsistent and has not proven himself at this level. Angelo believes Bekoev dominates everywhere and that Gore has no path to victory.
Big Brady picks Azamat Bekoev by first-round knockout. He criticizes Tresean Gore's striking defense and notes he was knocked out by Cody Brundage and out-struck by Rodolfo Vieira. He expects Bekoev to knock out Gore rather than wrestle, as Gore has good takedown defense.
Cody picks Bekoev but warns against the -650 line, noting Bekoev's cardio issues and Gore's potential to survive early rounds. He expects Bekoev to win if he gets an early KO, but considers live betting Gore.
Connor picks Bekoev confidently, emphasizing that Gore has no confidence or comfort, and panics under pressure. He notes that Bekoev's style of rushing into a tie-up and making the fight miserable will be effective, and that Bekoev is not at a size disadvantage. Gore's record and tendency to lose to anyone who pushes him make this an easy pick.
The host discusses the wide odds, noting Bekoev is a heavy favorite but unplayable due to poor value, while Gore is a tempting underdog but his recent poor performance against Vieira makes him too risky. He concludes that pre-fight betting is not viable, but he will watch for live betting opportunities.
James picks Azamat Bekoev, expecting him to rebound after a loss. He notes Bekoev's wrestling and training with Russian freestyle team, while Gore has been undisciplined and inconsistent. He predicts a decision win, but acknowledges Gore's power and weird fight outcomes make it uncertain. He believes Bekoev's takedowns and control will be the difference.
The host expects Bekoev to win, likely by decision, due to his grappling and improved striking. He notes Gore's takedown defense could make it close, but trusts Bekoev's ability to mix grappling and keep Gore defensive. He advises against betting the heavy chalk or sprinkling on Gore, preferring to pass.
Paul leans towards Bekoev but is wary of the price. He notes Bekoev's power and wrestling defense, but thinks Gore could make it competitive if he survives the first round.
The MMA Guru confidently picks Azamat Bekoev, criticizing Tresean Gore's 6-4 record and questioning why he's still in the UFC. He believes Bekoev's grappling and striking are superior and predicts a TKO finish as Gore lowers his hands after defending takedowns.
Zane picks Bekoev confidently, noting that Bekoev is a dangerous front-foot fighter with strong wrestling and ground-and-pound. He contrasts Gore, who panics and gets overwhelmed when dragged into deep water. Bekoev is more technical and well-rounded, and at 20-4 against a 5-4 fighter, the pick is clear.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rodolfo Vieira | 0 | 89 of 159 | 55% | 96 of 169 | 1 of 14 | 7% | 0 | 0 | 3:14 |
| Tresean Gore | 0 | 41 of 114 | 35% | 50 of 125 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rodolfo Vieira | 0 | 15 of 26 | 57% | 19 of 30 | 1 of 7 | 14% | 0 | 0 | 2:09 |
| Tresean Gore | 0 | 11 of 25 | 44% | 13 of 27 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Rodolfo Vieira | 0 | 36 of 66 | 54% | 36 of 66 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:19 |
| Tresean Gore | 0 | 14 of 45 | 31% | 15 of 46 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 | |
| 3 | Rodolfo Vieira | 0 | 38 of 67 | 56% | 41 of 73 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:46 |
| Tresean Gore | 0 | 16 of 44 | 36% | 22 of 52 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rodolfo Vieira | 89 of 159 | 55% | 51 of 118 | 22 of 25 | 16 of 16 | 87 of 155 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Tresean Gore | 41 of 114 | 35% | 22 of 88 | 4 of 10 | 15 of 16 | 41 of 114 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rodolfo Vieira | 15 of 26 | 57% | 7 of 17 | 4 of 5 | 4 of 4 | 13 of 23 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Tresean Gore | 11 of 25 | 44% | 3 of 15 | 2 of 3 | 6 of 7 | 11 of 25 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Rodolfo Vieira | 36 of 66 | 54% | 23 of 51 | 8 of 10 | 5 of 5 | 36 of 65 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Tresean Gore | 14 of 45 | 31% | 11 of 38 | 0 of 4 | 3 of 3 | 14 of 45 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Rodolfo Vieira | 38 of 67 | 56% | 21 of 50 | 10 of 10 | 7 of 7 | 38 of 67 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Tresean Gore | 16 of 44 | 36% | 8 of 35 | 2 of 3 | 6 of 6 | 16 of 44 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Vieira (-225); Gore (+185)
Round 1
Aiming to go on the run everyone expected out of him, Vieira (10-3, 5-3 UFC) will gladly accept a large percentage of his foe’s purse for missing weight by three and a half pounds. Unable to clock in at the middleweight cap, Gore (5-3, 2-3 UFC) may find himself at a serious disadvantage going against a lights-out grappler like “The Black Belt Hunter.” Necks may be threatened early and often in this preliminary contest, with referee Mark Smith telling them to get going as they touch ‘em up. They touch gloves despite the weight offense.
Vieira resides in the center of the Octagon jabbing the body, and Gore is warned for outstretched fingers. A jab from Vieira gets Gore’s attention, and he lands another and a low kick to follow. Gore lets loose his own hard calf kick, and he wings a right hand that bangs into the guard. Vieira shoots in for a single, pushing the heavier man to the wall but not putting him down. Rather than stick around in the clinch, Vieira pushes off and takes a right hand on the outside from his foe. Vieira shoots for another single, and Gore shuts it down in the open cage. Both men trade sharp jabs, and the Brazilian races forward to pursue a double. Like the other two, Gore stops it, so Vieira doubles down with a body lock as he tries to muscle “Mr. Vicious” to the floor. Gore posts off his hand to stay afloat, and he escapes yet again.
Gore turns his hips into an especially powerful low kick, and he doubles up with a kick to the same spot. Vieira sprints forward, clasping his hands beneath the backside of his opponent and securing the takedown he has sought for several minutes now. Gore hits the floor, and Vieira sits on top of him in a partial mount position with Gore sitting straight up against the wall. Gore pulls one leg out, and then wriggles the second out to pop back to his feet. Vieira clings to him from behind while standing, and Gore hand-fights to break the grip around him. Vieira jams a knee to the body, and Gore answers this and pushes away to get some space. Vieira probes him with jabs, and Gore swings harder with his responses. Vieira connects with a hefty leg kick, countering one flying his way with a right hand. The Brazilian leans to avoid a looping right hand as the bell sounds.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Vieira
Chris Laporte scores the round: 10-9 Vieira
Dayne Fox scores the round: 10-9 Vieira
Round 2
As the second round begins, both men jab at one another. Vieira dodges a front kick, and Gore is warned again for his fingers pointed towards his opponent. Vieira goes to the body and head, ducking a fierce right hand for a takedown shot. Gore stonewalls him, and the jabs fly from both sides. Vieira swings hard with three punches, missing with all but the end of one, although he follows with a one-two and a single. Gore breaks off from the shot and wings a trio of punches that come up short, but they have Vieira on guard. They land punches at the same time, and Vieira chains a one-two behind his jabs. Vieira kicks low, and Gore does the same. Vieira surprises his foe with a powerful right hook, and his punches back Gore to the wall. Vieira times a punch to duck under for a single, keeping Gore on one leg but not grounding him.
Vieira lands an inside leg kick that disrupts an overhand right after they split apart, and he gets off a second before Gore can respond. Vieira bops Gore in the nose with several jabs, staying busy with his leg kick. A hard right hand from Vieira makes Gore have to blink it out, and Vieira dances away from the counters and is right in Gore’s face with three flying fists. Gore misses a head kick by a matter of inches, and Vieira aims a right hand to the ribs and takes a right hand from the other direction. Vieira snaps the head back with a jab, and his leg kick is starting to give Gore issues. Gore rakes Vieira in the eye, and Smith warns him to knock it off. Vieira plants a one-two on the jaw, and Gore pushes off with his thumb that swipes the eyeball. Smith calls time, and he issues a hard warning to the fouling fighter. They resume after a 30-second break, and Vieira gets right behind his jab again. The jab stops Gore from loading up on much, although Gore does loop a big right hand that hits Vieira in the back of his shoulder. The horn blares.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Vieira
Chris Laporte scores the round: 10-9 Vieira
Dayne Fox scores the round: 10-9 Vieira
Round 3
As Gore opens up to start the last round, Vieira shoots in on his hips for a takedown. Gore shuts it down, and the two start driving home jabs. Gore gets a little more active with kicks from both legs, but Vieira is still chipping at him any time he can. Vieira winds up and knocks Gore back with a mighty left hand, and Gore is tough as nails as he is staring to show damage. The low kicks are making Gore’s knee buckle as they connect, and Vieira’s one-two continues to find its target. The Brazilian races forward after a single, lifting Gore’s leg up but ultimately only backing him to the wall. Gore breaks free and circles out to take a few jabs off the forward bow. Gore kicks the body, and Vieira catches it and thinks about trying something before letting it go to roast Gore’s ribs with a few heavy blows. Gore reaches his man with a left hook, but it is one-and-done as Vieira goes to his body with punches.
Gore’s right hand marks up Vieira’s left cheek, popping a mouse beneath it that starts trickling blood. Vieira pays it no mind, continuing to beat on the body. “The Black Belt Hunter” strings a number of punches together that sets up a takedown shot, but the heavier Gore is able to shut it down when he puts his back to the fence. Vieira abandons it and wipes his face, and he looks outside the cage to listen to instructions and paws out a jab that Gore does not like. Vieira plants a one-two on the cheek, and his leg kick make Gore hobble back. Gore tries to sit down on a right hand, but Vieira is in his face with a one-two that he is starting to put some mustard behind. Gore pitches a low kick, and Vieira pursues a double. While it does not get his man down, Vieira bullies Gore until the match concludes. Barring something strange, this should be Vieira’s first win that goes the distance.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Vieira (30-27 Vieira)
Chris Laporte scores the round: 10-9 Vieira (30-27 Vieira)
Dayne Fox scores the round: 10-9 Vieira (30-27 Vieira)
The Official Result
Rodolfo Vieira def. Tresean Gore via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
Connor picks Vieira confidently, noting that Gore is inexperienced and falls apart when he can't gain initiative. Vieira has a good jab and can set up takedowns, and Gore is prone to walking forward onto strikes. Even if Vieira's grappling is neutralized, he showed functional boxing against Chris Curtis. Connor expects Vieira to outgrapple Gore.
Zane agrees with Connor, stating that Gore is too easy to set up and doesn't know how to build initiative. Vieira's boxing can set up takedowns, and even if he struggles, he can be persistent like against Curtis. Zane notes that Gore's best hope is to catch Vieira off guard, but Vieira has been proven against better fighters.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tresean Gore | 0 | 17 of 60 | 28% | 17 of 60 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:06 |
| Marco Tulio | 2 | 127 of 175 | 72% | 140 of 195 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:43 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tresean Gore | 0 | 13 of 39 | 33% | 13 of 39 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:06 |
| Marco Tulio | 1 | 77 of 110 | 70% | 84 of 117 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:16 | |
| 2 | Tresean Gore | 0 | 4 of 21 | 19% | 4 of 21 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Marco Tulio | 1 | 50 of 65 | 76% | 56 of 78 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:27 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tresean Gore | 17 of 60 | 28% | 10 of 47 | 3 of 5 | 4 of 8 | 17 of 60 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Marco Tulio | 127 of 175 | 72% | 74 of 120 | 40 of 42 | 13 of 13 | 118 of 161 | 4 of 4 | 5 of 10 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tresean Gore | 13 of 39 | 33% | 10 of 33 | 1 of 2 | 2 of 4 | 13 of 39 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Marco Tulio | 77 of 110 | 70% | 45 of 76 | 25 of 27 | 7 of 7 | 72 of 104 | 4 of 4 | 1 of 2 | |
| 2 | Tresean Gore | 4 of 21 | 19% | 0 of 14 | 2 of 3 | 2 of 4 | 4 of 21 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Marco Tulio | 50 of 65 | 76% | 29 of 44 | 15 of 15 | 6 of 6 | 46 of 57 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 8 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Tulio (-355), Gore (+280)
Round 1
Carrying on with the prelims, two aggressive middleweights with finish rates above 75% will duel under the oversight of referee Marc Goddard. Gore (5-2, 2-2 UFC) has only fought once since late 2022, and he will have the honor of welcoming Norma Dumont’s partner Tulio (13-1, 1-0 UFC) to his sophomore UFC appearance. Fists are sure to fly, but before they do, they are tapped together sportingly. Tulio springs to the side to fire off a few jabs and low kicks, and he mixes in a front kick to keep Gore guessing early. Gore swings back, and Tulio takes a step back to wing a spinning back kick. Tulio puts out a one-two, and Gore defends the punches but not the kick that follows and bumps into his cup. Goddard acknowledges the foul, and Gore waves it off and wants to keep throwing leather. Tulio jumps at him with a flying knee, and Gore times him with a marvelous right hand nearly as destructive as Fedor Emelianenko against Andrei Arlovski. Tulio continues to chain big punches and kicks into spinning strikes, and Gore is in close range to prevent the spins from getting to him. The power from the Brazilian mark Gore’s nose up, and he loads up further on power strikes including a trio of vertical elbows from the Anderson Silva playbook. Tulio keeps a high pace, and Gore walks through a few punches to zing a left hook that stumbles “Matuto.” When Gore tries to continue the assault, Tulio blasts him with an elbow that rocks and cuts him at the same time. Gore shakes out the cobwebs and marches Tulio down, and he adjusts his leaking hose as Tulio turns up the pressure. Tulio rips the body with a kick, and his constant jab is further frustrating Gore. Tulio drives home a few low kicks, and he puts together a unique combination with a liver kick, a flying knee and a spinning back kick. The Brazilian hammers his opponent with spinning strikes and huge punches, but it is a short left hook that floors Gore. “Mr. Vicious” scrambles to his feet, steels himself and smashes Tulio in the face with a vicious right hand. Tulio appears to be showing signs of fatigue with less than a minute to go in the round, and he gathers a full head of steam and rails Gore with a spinning wheel kick. Gore somehow tanks it, thanks to the wall behind him, and this absolutely mad round comes to a close.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Tulio
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Tulio
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Tulio
Round 2
Somehow, these two flamethrowers got out of the first round, and they are still in good spirits and touch gloves. They proceed to hammer one another on the lead leg, and Tulio follows one with a blistering body kick. Not to be outdone, Gore gives him the same kick back. Tulio prods out with a front kick, and he puts two low kicks behind it that draw a slight limp. Tulio splits the guard with a punch, plants a spinning back kick on the midsection and continues to work the head and body. Gore swings wildly, and Tulio slips it and puts a jab in his face. Tulio wraps a left around the guard, and right goes to the sternum. Tulio jams a front kick to the midsection, and the foot pounds squarely into the groin cup. Tulio apologizes as Gore groans, and Goddard calls time. Despite the impact of the kick, Gore only takes about 20 seconds before getting back to business. Tulio does not let him off the hook, continuing to chain punches, kick and spinning moves together much to Gore’s disappointment. Tulio splits the guard with an uppercut, and Gore’s chin is tough but he is taking serious damage. Tulio finally cracks the chin with a crisp head kick, and Gore hits his seat. Tulio jumps on top and unloads a salvo of elbows, and he pushes Gore flat to the ground to continue beating on him. Gore wills himself to stand up again, and he actually comes out swinging. The Brazilian rifles off a power jab, and Gore’s expression completely changes.
Tulio fires off a jumping switch kick, using it to close the distance, and he lands and plants a right hand about as firmly on the jaw as one can land. Gore’s legs give way beneath him, bloodied and broken, and he leans against the fence clinging to consciousness.
Goddard sprints towards the downed fighter to rescue him from his own toughness, but before he can reach the fallen man, Tulio gets off one single destructive punch to seal the deal. When Goddard gets between them, Tulio informs his corner that his hand broke in the first round. It held up long enough to put on a thriller of a performance, one easily worthy of “Fight of the Night” with the first round in the conversation of “Round of the Year” after all that carnage. Middleweight has a new name to watch out for now.
The Official Result
Marco Tulio def. Tresean Gore R2 3:16 via TKO (Punch)
Connor picks Marco Tulio, noting that he is a functional middleweight prospect with power and determination. He acknowledges Tulio's awful mechanics but believes his aggressive forward pressure and power will be enough to beat Tresean Gore, who he doesn't trust to beat anyone with a game. Connor admits Tulio is wide open but thinks his power gives him the edge.
Daniel Levi notes that Marco Tulio stopped Tresean Gore in the second round after getting rocked earlier. He highlights the striking differential of 127 to 17 significant strikes and praises Tulio's confidence and dominance.
Zane picks Tresean Gore, believing his straight punches will land hard against Marco Tulio, who has terrible mechanics and is wide open to get hit. He notes that Tulio is a Jackson Wink-style power striker with a goofy grab bag of tricks, but his poor defense makes him hittable. Zane acknowledges Tulio's power and determination but thinks Gore can time him.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tresean Gore | 0 | 3 of 3 | 100% | 5 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 1 | 0 | 0:45 |
| Antonio Trócoli | 0 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 2 of 5 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:13 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tresean Gore | 0 | 3 of 3 | 100% | 5 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 1 | 0 | 0:45 |
| Antonio Trócoli | 0 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 2 of 5 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:13 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tresean Gore | 3 of 3 | 100% | 0 of 0 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Antonio Trócoli | 2 of 5 | 40% | 0 of 2 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tresean Gore | 3 of 3 | 100% | 0 of 0 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Antonio Trócoli | 2 of 5 | 40% | 0 of 2 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo is baffled that Tresean Gore is nearly a 2-to-1 favorite given he hasn't fought in two years and has only six professional fights. He sees Trócoli as bigger, more skilled, more experienced, and better trained. He also notes Trócoli's length and aggressive grappling as key advantages. He has placed a half-unit bet on Trócoli at +145.
Big Brady is not high on either fighter but gives Gore the edge due to takedown defense and striking advantage. He notes Gore's low volume and overrated power as concerns, but believes Gore's higher ceiling and ability to keep the fight standing will lead to a decision win. He expects the fight to be unexciting.
Cody reluctantly picks Gore, noting both fighters are inactive and unproven. He gives Gore the edge in athleticism and upside, but admits it's a narrative-based pick. Cody expects a messy fight and advises against betting it.
Connor picks Trócoli hesitantly, noting Gore has been out for two years with injuries and got outstruck by Cody Brundage. He thinks Trócoli will blitz early and if Gore can't handle it, Trócoli wins. Connor acknowledges Trócoli is bad but believes Gore's inactivity and lack of proven ability make Trócoli the pick.
Daniel Vreeland picks Tresean Gore despite concerns about his inactivity and mental toughness. He notes Gore's athletic gifts and finishing ability, while criticizing Antonio Trócoli's lack of development and athletic disadvantage. Vreeland worries Gore might pull a stunt but believes he has more potential and skills.
Gore is favored due to his speed, explosivity, and power. The pick expects him to land big shots on Trócoli and find a knockout within two rounds.
Paul is not confident in either fighter. He notes Trócoli's poor striking defense and Gore's inactivity. He prefers betting on a finish rather than picking a winner, suggesting the under 2.5 rounds.
The Guru picks Tresean Gore but is hesitant due to Gore's KO loss to Cody Brundage. He criticizes Antonio Trócoli as 'dog [__]' with no offensive output. He believes Gore can chew up Trócoli's legs and get a TKO, but worries about Gore being outgrappled.
Zane picks Trócoli, agreeing with Connor. He describes Trócoli as an Instagram model who will sprint at Gore and either wreck him or self-destruct. Zane notes Gore has only six pro fights in a decade and has been injured. He thinks Trócoli's early blitz could overwhelm Gore, but acknowledges Trócoli's limitations.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tresean Gore | 0 | 24 of 54 | 44% | 27 of 57 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:39 |
| Josh Fremd | 0 | 10 of 20 | 50% | 14 of 25 | 3 of 4 | 75% | 1 | 0 | 2:46 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tresean Gore | 0 | 18 of 40 | 45% | 21 of 43 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:30 |
| Josh Fremd | 0 | 8 of 14 | 57% | 12 of 19 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 0 | 0 | 2:36 | |
| 2 | Tresean Gore | 0 | 6 of 14 | 42% | 6 of 14 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:09 |
| Josh Fremd | 0 | 2 of 6 | 33% | 2 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 1 | 0 | 0:10 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tresean Gore | 24 of 54 | 44% | 8 of 35 | 11 of 14 | 5 of 5 | 20 of 47 | 4 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
| Josh Fremd | 10 of 20 | 50% | 7 of 14 | 1 of 2 | 2 of 4 | 9 of 15 | 1 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tresean Gore | 18 of 40 | 45% | 4 of 24 | 10 of 12 | 4 of 4 | 14 of 33 | 4 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
| Josh Fremd | 8 of 14 | 57% | 6 of 9 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 3 | 7 of 9 | 1 of 5 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Tresean Gore | 6 of 14 | 42% | 4 of 11 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 6 of 14 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Josh Fremd | 2 of 6 | 33% | 1 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Big Brady picks Josh Fremd to win by first-round knockout. He notes that Fremd is a dangerous finisher with power and size, while Gore has looked hesitant and been knocked out by Cody Brundage. He acknowledges that Fremd is hittable and Gore has power, but trusts Fremd's aggression and finishing ability more.
Cody picks Josh Fremd, citing his wrestling base, size (6'4"), and solid regional wins. He notes Fremd's competitive performance against Anthony Hernandez on short notice and believes a full camp will benefit him. Cody criticizes Tresean Gore's inexperience, poor performance against Bryan Battle, and lack of volume. He also likes Fremd by submission at +900 as a sprinkle.
Daniel Levi is confident in Josh Fremd, citing his experience, size (6'4"), and paid dues on the regional scene. He views Gore as too green and immature, lacking seasoning despite athleticism. He bet Fremd at -170 for 2 units and plans to add more as the line improved. He expects Fremd to win via experience and possibly a finish.
Jacob picks Josh Fremd, citing his wrestling and ability to withstand Gore's striking. He notes Gore is 0-2 and may fight for his life, but until Gore proves himself, Jacob defaults to Fremd. He is cautious and not confident in betting.
Gore has speed and power advantages, and his move to Fortis MMA should improve his game. However, he was flatlined in his last fight, which raises durability concerns. Fremd is more complete but Gore's takedown defense and power could lead to a knockout. The under 2.5 rounds or fight doesn't go to decision are safer plays. Gore by knockout at +330 is a tempting prop.
Paul also picks Josh Fremd, highlighting his experience, pace, and pressure. He notes that Fremd has never fought someone with a losing record and has shown improvements. Paul is critical of Gore's learning on the job and lack of recent power, and expects Fremd to tire Gore out and get the victory.
The MMA Guru picks Josh Fremd over Tresean Gore, citing Fremd's underrated grappling and experience. He notes Gore's lack of readiness, having been finished by Cody Brundage and outhustled by Bryan Battle. Fremd held his own against Anthony Hernandez on short notice, and the Guru believes Fremd's size and reach advantage will help him deal with Gore's power, predicting a second-round submission via guillotine choke.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cody Brundage | 1 | 15 of 39 | 38% | 23 of 49 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 1:18 |
| Tresean Gore | 0 | 8 of 25 | 32% | 8 of 27 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cody Brundage | 1 | 15 of 39 | 38% | 23 of 49 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 1:18 |
| Tresean Gore | 0 | 8 of 25 | 32% | 8 of 27 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cody Brundage | 15 of 39 | 38% | 10 of 33 | 5 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 12 of 33 | 1 of 2 | 2 of 4 |
| Tresean Gore | 8 of 25 | 32% | 2 of 15 | 0 of 1 | 6 of 9 | 8 of 25 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cody Brundage | 15 of 39 | 38% | 10 of 33 | 5 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 12 of 33 | 1 of 2 | 2 of 4 |
| Tresean Gore | 8 of 25 | 32% | 2 of 15 | 0 of 1 | 6 of 9 | 8 of 25 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Gore (-125), Brundage (+105)
Round 1
The sample size may be low, but combined, these two middleweights of Brundage (7-2, 1-1 UFC) and Gore (3-1, 0-1 UFC) total for just two decision wins in their careers. The intensity was high at the weigh-ins between them and turned it from just another fight to potentially one to watch, and referee Mike Beltran is prepared should anything go awry. The gloves are reluctantly touched, and Brundage walks through a loud leg kick to wing a spinning back fist. As soon as he turns about, Brundage ducks down for a takedown pursuit, and he drops Gore down to his knees. Gore fights back to his feet, and as he does, Brundage gets one hook in standing from behind. Gore breaks the grip and blocks a quick head kick, but Brundage follows it with a standing elbow that gets Gore’s attention. Brundage unloads with an overhand right, and he steps in with another vertical elbow. Brundage keeps his distance with a body kick, and Gore goes after leg kick that is checked. Brundage slips a punch to loose a right hand over the top, and Gore snaps the head back with a jab. Gore continues to work the jab as he marches forward, and he connects with a thudding low kick for good measure. Brundage swings and misses on a right hook, and Gore continues plodding forward with jabs and calf kicks. Gore just misses with a home run punch, and Brundage slides out of the way and walks straight into a leg kick. Gore doubles up with the kicks down low, and Brundage changes stances briefly after absorbing them. Brundage attempts a winging right hook, and Gore is able to block it and stay in his face.
Gore throws a naked leg kick, and Brundage counters perfectly with a short right hand that knocks Gore clean off his feet. Brundage leaps down to start unloading with his fists, and he steps into mount and continues blasting away with punches. One particular punch separates Gore from his senses, and Gore slumps to the mat, out cold.
Beltran is quick to recognize Gore's goose is cooked, and he steps in as Brundage is pounding on a sleeping Gore. When peeled away, Brundage shouts that he thought they were wrestling to no one in particular.
The Official Result
Cody Brundage def. Tresean Gore R1 3:50 via KO (Punches)
Angelo picks Tresean Gore but with low confidence due to unknowns. He notes Gore has power and solid takedown defense, while Cody Brundage can be chinny. He believes if the pre-UFC Gore shows up with high pace, he wins; but if the gun-shy version appears, he loses. He is not betting this fight because of the uncertainty.
Big Brady confidently picks Tresean Gore, citing his superior striking power and takedown defense. He notes that Cody Brundage has been hurt when shooting takedowns in past fights and that Gore hits very hard. Brady believes Brundage will struggle to get the fight to the mat, and on the feet, Gore will land big shots and potentially knock him out. He predicts a second-round knockout for Gore, though he acknowledges Gore's low volume as a potential weakness.
Cody leans Gore due to his athleticism and power, but acknowledges he's inexperienced and looked poor against Brian Battle. He thinks Brundage's chin is suspect and Gore could catch him. However, he's not confident because Gore is still raw.
The host bets 2.5 units on Tresean Gore at -132. He believes Gore is a quicker, faster, and more powerful striker with good takedown defense. He thinks Gore will be hard to hold down and can work back to his feet. He expects Gore to knock out Brundage within two rounds if he pulls the trigger. He notes that if Gore stays gun-shy, things could get iffy.
Paul is on Gore at -110, his only bet on the card so far. He thinks Gore will bounce back from his loss to Battle and that Brundage is coming in on short notice and has looked poor. He caps the line at -150 and wouldn't bet it above that.
The Guru picks Tresean Gore over Cody Brundage, believing Gore is more technical and strong. He thinks Brundage may gas out chasing takedowns, leaving himself open for a KO. He notes Gore's loss to Bryan Battle is excusable as Battle is underrated. He predicts a KO in the second round.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryan Battle | 0 | 57 of 95 | 60% | 86 of 126 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 1 | 0 | 1:16 |
| Tresean Gore | 0 | 112 of 193 | 58% | 119 of 203 | 1 of 8 | 12% | 0 | 0 | 3:20 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bryan Battle | 0 | 15 of 26 | 57% | 15 of 26 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Tresean Gore | 0 | 50 of 79 | 63% | 50 of 79 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Bryan Battle | 0 | 27 of 39 | 69% | 49 of 63 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 1 | 0 | 0:51 |
| Tresean Gore | 0 | 29 of 51 | 56% | 30 of 52 | 1 of 5 | 20% | 0 | 0 | 1:27 | |
| 3 | Bryan Battle | 0 | 15 of 30 | 50% | 22 of 37 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 0:25 |
| Tresean Gore | 0 | 33 of 63 | 52% | 39 of 72 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:53 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryan Battle | 57 of 95 | 60% | 31 of 67 | 15 of 17 | 11 of 11 | 42 of 79 | 11 of 12 | 4 of 4 |
| Tresean Gore | 112 of 193 | 58% | 49 of 117 | 46 of 59 | 17 of 17 | 105 of 185 | 7 of 8 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bryan Battle | 15 of 26 | 57% | 7 of 18 | 2 of 2 | 6 of 6 | 15 of 26 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Tresean Gore | 50 of 79 | 63% | 16 of 36 | 21 of 30 | 13 of 13 | 50 of 79 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Bryan Battle | 27 of 39 | 69% | 15 of 26 | 9 of 10 | 3 of 3 | 18 of 30 | 5 of 5 | 4 of 4 |
| Tresean Gore | 29 of 51 | 56% | 17 of 38 | 10 of 11 | 2 of 2 | 27 of 49 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Bryan Battle | 15 of 30 | 50% | 9 of 23 | 4 of 5 | 2 of 2 | 9 of 23 | 6 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
| Tresean Gore | 33 of 63 | 52% | 16 of 43 | 15 of 18 | 2 of 2 | 28 of 57 | 5 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Tresean Gore for his heavy hands and relentless wrestling. He notes Gore's pattern of throwing punches and immediately shooting takedowns, which should wear down Battle. Battle has a good ground game but was losing to Urbina before the comeback. Angelo expects Gore to control the fight with pressure and takedowns.
Cody says he has no hard lean and wants no part of this fight. He notes that both fighters are green and raw. He initially thought Gore was the better athlete but now leans slightly towards Battle because of recent activity. However, he is not confident and would rather avoid betting on it.
Daniel Levi picks Tresean Gore, citing his striking, timing, and mindset. He notes Gore has been handling UFC-level fighters in the gym and has a strong amateur background, including wars with Robert Hale. Levi acknowledges Bryan Battle's toughness and durability but believes Gore's shots will be too much for Battle to keep coming forward. He expects Gore to get his first UFC win, possibly by knockout.
Lock of the Night picks Battle as an underdog, citing his superior experience, durability, and grappling. He notes that Gore has limited experience and struggled against lower-level competition. He expects Battle to drown Gore with cardio and finish him in the later rounds. He likes Battle inside the distance at +330.
Paul is leaning towards Battle because he has already made his UFC debut and has recent fight experience. He notes that Gore pulled out of their previous fight and hasn't fought since. He thinks Battle is a tough, scrappy guy who could pull off the upset. However, he is not confident and says he doesn't want much action on this fight.
The MMA Guru picks Tresean Gore, partly due to disliking Battle's nickname 'Pooh Bear'. He notes Battle gets hit a lot and Gore has power in both hands. He predicts a first-round KO around three minutes in, citing Gore's technical skills and finishing ability.
Expert Picks (6)
Angelo picks Tresean Gore but with low confidence due to unknowns. He notes Gore has power and solid takedown defense, while Cody Brundage can be chinny. He believes if the pre-UFC Gore shows up with high pace, he wins; but if the gun-shy version appears, he loses. He is not betting this fight because of the uncertainty.
Big Brady confidently picks Tresean Gore, citing his superior striking power and takedown defense. He notes that Cody Brundage has been hurt when shooting takedowns in past fights and that Gore hits very hard. Brady believes Brundage will struggle to get the fight to the mat, and on the feet, Gore will land big shots and potentially knock him out. He predicts a second-round knockout for Gore, though he acknowledges Gore's low volume as a potential weakness.
Cody leans Gore due to his athleticism and power, but acknowledges he's inexperienced and looked poor against Brian Battle. He thinks Brundage's chin is suspect and Gore could catch him. However, he's not confident because Gore is still raw.
The host bets 2.5 units on Tresean Gore at -132. He believes Gore is a quicker, faster, and more powerful striker with good takedown defense. He thinks Gore will be hard to hold down and can work back to his feet. He expects Gore to knock out Brundage within two rounds if he pulls the trigger. He notes that if Gore stays gun-shy, things could get iffy.
Paul is on Gore at -110, his only bet on the card so far. He thinks Gore will bounce back from his loss to Battle and that Brundage is coming in on short notice and has looked poor. He caps the line at -150 and wouldn't bet it above that.
The Guru picks Tresean Gore over Cody Brundage, believing Gore is more technical and strong. He thinks Brundage may gas out chasing takedowns, leaving himself open for a KO. He notes Gore's loss to Bryan Battle is excusable as Battle is underrated. He predicts a KO in the second round.
Comments (1)
Clown fight. Brundage said he push the pace. Then got tired in rd1 himself. Gore doesnt move his head and got dropped and finished.
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